Nairobi — Coast Muslim leaders want the Government to reconsider its plans to release prisoners suffering from HIV/Aids.

They said if implemented, the decision would have negative effects on society as freed prisoners might be tempted to spread the virus as well as commit crimes knowing that they cannot be jailed.

The Council of Imams and preachers of Kenya secretary general Sheikh Mohamed Dor said as religious leaders, they doubted that the move would help the country.

"It is true that people with Aids need support from their families but freeing them before completing their jail terms might have very negative implications," he said.

Sheikh Dor was reacting to Vice-President Moody Awori's assurance to prisoners that a Bill had been drafted proposing the release of prisoners suffering from Aids.

He said the decision may lead to increased rape and crime in the country as well as intensifying sodomy in prisons.

Instead of releasing them, Sheikh Dor suggested that the Government sets aside special cells where such prisoners can receive specialised attention. The cells should be attended by specialised wardens or qualified counsellors who will ensure they get "home-based care".

"As religious leaders we cannot remain silent as the government plans to make a decision that can affect the society. There are two sides of the coin, and we believe it hasn't looked at the long term effects of such a move," he said.